Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
Draft law amending the Act on the Implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union and the Feed Act (546 SE) – Second Reading
2025-01-21
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position centers on strong opposition to the overregulation and bureaucracy stemming from the European Union and Estonian officialdom, particularly within the agricultural sector. The speaker sharply criticizes "social conditionality" and "green frenzy," which, in his estimation, increase absurd demands (such as instructions on how to use a ladder) and threaten the reduction of PRIA subsidies. The position is rather value- and results-based, highlighting the state's inherent distrust of the sector.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in agricultural regulations, particularly regarding the implementation of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). They use specific terminology such as "social conditionality" and reference concrete control mechanisms (the Labour Inspectorate, using the PRIA app for location-tagged photography). They are also aware of the specifics of occupational safety documentation (instructions for work gloves, training on ladder usage).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative and skeptical, utilizing strong, colorful expressions ("green madness," "utter nonsense"). The speaker appeals to both emotion (by emphasizing the sheer absurdity) and logic (by referencing specific regulations) in order to criticize bureaucratic overregulation. He employs sharp metaphors, for instance, the Estonian capacity to execute "absurdities coming from Europe with German precision."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main targets of criticism are European Union regulations, the Estonian bureaucracy, and the Labour Inspectorate, all of whom are accused of imposing absurd demands. The criticism is policy- and procedure-based, accusing the state of distrusting the sector (for example, the requirement for the PRIA app). Farmers' representative organizations that are dependent on the state are also criticized, with calls for them to achieve independence.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The willingness to cooperate is not demonstrated; the speaker uses the comments made by colleagues (Aivar, Kruuse) to confirm and further develop his critical positions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the agricultural sector at the national and international level, addressing the implementation of Estonian laws and the impact of European regulations. Specific local regions are not emphasized.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views are strongly focused on deregulation and anti-bureaucracy, supporting the interests of agricultural producers. The speaker criticizes policies that increase costs and control, stressing that bureaucracy is actually being expanded rather than reduced (referencing the Draghi report). He calls on farmers to establish representative organizations independent of the state to better safeguard their economic interests.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the implementation of working conditions and occupational safety regulations, which the speaker deems overly bureaucratic and absurd. He criticizes the monitoring of employee working conditions that demands extreme precision and correctness, which ultimately poses the risk of benefit reductions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on debating the draft amendment (546 SE) to the Act on the Implementation of the European Union Common Agricultural Policy and the Feed Act. The speaker acts as a strong critic of the bill, focusing on its bureaucratic burden and the requirements for social conditionality.
3 Speeches Analyzed